Appeal Letter to my BI

[SDSilverA4]

I got "the letter" yesterday telling me I won't be hired for SDPD. Can anyone recommend things I can do to find out why and maybe appeal the decision or what my other options are?

I wrote an appeal letter and wanted to get people's thoughts on it and if you think it is the right way to write the letter and what I'm saying in it. Thanks in advance for everyone's help.


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Dear Sergeant XXXX,


This letter is in reference to the application for Reuben XXXX, reference number xxxxx. I am writing to inquire why I was not selected for the position of Police Officer.

My personal character, life experience, competence, professionalism, and leadership abilities are such that I will be an Exemplary Peace Officer. Two people with a background in law enforcement have known me long enough and well enough to vouch for my character and qualifications. Deputy Sheriff for the County of Santa Clara, Ryan XXXX, can be reached at (408) xxx-xxxx. SDPD Chaplain, Chuck XXXX, can be reached at (619) xxx-xxxx. Sergeant Paul XXXX of Northern Division and Officer Steven XXXX of Recruiting have also been assisting me through this application process.

I know that I will make an Exemplary Peace Officer and am dedicated to becoming one. Some of the things I have done as a result of this dedication are starting a 6 day-a-week physical fitness regime to prepare myself for the academy and the physicality of police work, learning the SDPD radio codes, and spending $250 of my own money to purchase Academy materials to begin reading and learning.

I would like to know what I can do to appeal the decision not to select me and/or to reapply for the position of Police Officer. If you could contact me at your earliest convenience I would appreciate that. My home phone number is (858) xxx-xxxx, my cell phone is (858) xxx-xxxx, my email is xxxxx, and my address is xxxxx.


Thank You,
Reuben XXXX

[mikecrazy]

Maybe include a blank check :mad:

[Roger Dat]

I'm not sure the letter is a good idea, a phone call asking for the reason is sufficient. Its not your job to tell him you think your qualified you've already done that, the letter is basically telling him he didnt do his job right or he would have came to the same conclusion you did. Remember just because you didnt get hired doesnt mean it was for something bad, someone may have just been better.

[webjeep]

+1

Probably not the best course of action to tell someone who may hold one avenue of your future in their hands that you think they screwed up and that you know better than they. A nice letter detailing your desire to try again and asking what your weakness(es) were so that you can be a more competetive applicant in the future may be more appropriate. Try, try again, but don't piss on people along the way. If they told you no this time, it means no this time, they are not going to reconsider.

[Plazoo]

My personal character, life experience, competence, professionalism, and leadership abilities are such that I will be an Exemplary Peace Officer. Two people with a background in law enforcement have known me long enough and well enough to vouch for my character and qualifications. Deputy Sheriff for the County of Santa Clara, Ryan XXXX, can be reached at (408) xxx-xxxx. SDPD Chaplain, Chuck XXXX, can be reached at (619) xxx-xxxx. Sergeant Paul XXXX of Northern Division and Officer Steven XXXX of Recruiting have also been assisting me through this application process.

This is just my opinion so don't go getting your panties in a bunch, however, the above paragraph in your letter looks like you're doing a serious case of name dropping. Just like people who've told me they're related to, did a ride-along with, or know a cop/judge/prosecuting attorney, etc., in order to try to get out of a ticket, it appears you listed the names above to try to garner some special treatment.

Like mentioned before, the reason for your rejection was probably nothing more than simply someone better qualified was offered the position. A letter doesn't atomatically imply there was something fishy or weak in your background. Rather than write the letter, call your BI and ask what the story is.

Good luck to you in the future.

[SDSilverA4]

Thanks for the replies/advice everyone.

[Lawson]

Let me just chime in... In our agency, if you are dropped from the process during the background, they will not tell you why. Because the agency contacts your neighbors, references, bosses, etc... it can be easy for you to pick out who may have dropped a dime on you. For instance... if you are not chosen and it's because you have loud parties all the time and associate with pot smokers at your house... and you are dropped because of that, there is too much of a probability you might go after your neighbor for narcing on you when the PD called. If someone says you dont work very hard, and you're always late to work... you might retaliate against a co-worker or boss, etc...

Just some food for thought.